arrive Le Méridien MelbourneAs soon as I entered the door, my eyes immediately flew to the Air France A350 model aircraft sitting in the corner of the lobby of this one-year-old hotel. Some guests may wonder why the plane is there – Air France doesn’t even fly to Australia, after all – but as a self-proclaimed aviation geek, I know. Born in Paris, Le Méridien was founded by Air France to provide passengers with hospitality options during their travels.
The brand is now part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, and its European roots can be seen throughout the hotel. It’s Australia’s (currently) only Le Méridien hotel and is part of Marriott’s growing momentum on the continent.Other recently opened positions include W Hotel Sydney and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.
Melbourne is often described as a very European city, an atmosphere further deepened by large numbers of immigrants from places such as Greece and Italy. That’s why it’s so fitting that the brand with its European roots has chosen Melbourne for its Australian debut in 2023.
Art plays a cornerstone role in the brand, with most hotels around the world offering guests free entry to famous local art museums simply by showing their room key.
The design focus of the Melbourne hotel is no different, with Melbourne artist Stephen Baker hired to create a mural on the arrivals foyer. It shows renderings of photos he took nearby.
Once inside, the lobby is filled with colorful art and sculptures (look closely to spot an Air France travel poster in the corner). A carefully curated soundtrack fills the lobby and elevators, changing the mood from day to night, and a video art installation illuminates the lobby’s grand staircase. There’s even a French perfume designed specifically for the brand in public spaces.
The clever design continues in the guest rooms, where an abstract map of the city center grid is printed on the carpets and elevator walls. The entire look is a nice blend of mid-century design with modern elements.
The guest room’s bookshelves are filled with playful art and books. How to Be French by Janine Marsh seems particularly appropriate for Le Méridien.Image source: Courtesy of Le Méridien Melbourne
Revitalize landmark buildings
This historic building is located in Melbourne’s Theater District, adjacent to one of the city’s famous theatres, and is home to numerous entertainment venues, notably nightclubs (James Brown and the Arctic Monkeys have performed here) and cinemas. Many of the theater’s touches remain today, such as the original Art Deco exterior and the lobby’s intermission cafe, which was designed to look like the original refreshment counter. Today, instead of popcorn and soda, the menu offers Le Méridien’s signature Le Scoop ice cream (try the Whispering Angel rose flavor available in most hotels around the world) and Axil Coffee (a specialty barista coffee local brands).
The hotel is just steps from Victoria’s Parliament House (tip: free guided tours are available most days of the week), and TV news crews film segments on the steps, interviewing politicians as they come and go. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is just a short walk in the other direction, while the Yarra River, bustling riverside shopping and the free National Gallery of Victoria, the country’s most visited museum ) are all within walking distance.
Business travelers will find the hotel conveniently located to numerous corporate offices, and shoppers can drop serious cash at the rows of high-end luxury boutiques that line the neighborhood’s streets. Whatever your plans, the city’s free tram network stops in front of the hotel.
Larger suite features dining table and separate living room.Image source: Courtesy of Le Méridien Melbourne
Local design, European elements
I noticed many thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, especially in my guest room. I really like the wireless charging pouch on the wall next to the bed, it frees up space on the bedside table. My suite had a corner view with skyline and cathedral views, with Fitzroy Gardens in the foreground.
In these upscale accommodations, there’s a mini bar with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee pods (also from Axil Coffee).
I also loved the spacious bathroom with Malin+Goetz products (another brand staple), simple stone surfaces, and a large glass shower area with a separate soaking tub. Natural light also flows into my bathroom through the large window.
The records on the Yamaha 500 turntable represent many of the artists who have performed here, another subtle throwback to the building’s rich history.
This city hotel also has another star feature: a rooftop pool deck that sits atop the building’s original facade. From this vantage point, guests can see famous sights such as Parliament from one of the only outdoor (heated) swimming pools in the city’s CBD. Guests can order drinks, including a selection of local wines carefully selected for the hotel by CellarHand’s wine expert, Patrick Walsh, and enjoy light meals surrounded by the city’s high-rises. During the warmer months, the pool bar serves drinks and the brand’s Le Scoop ice cream. Also being prepared are pop-up activities such as outdoor cinemas.
Intermission Cafe is the main lobby lounge.Photo credit: Le Méridien Melbourne
The 1930s-style Dolly Restaurant, located one floor below the lobby, offers a European menu designed by Executive Chef Herve Borghini. By late afternoon, the adjacent coffee bar transforms into a bar. It has become a popular spot for locals to enjoy a drink or dinner. The Beef Wellington is a crowd-pleaser, while the Alaska bomb with salted caramel ice cream and flamed meringue appeals to sweet-toothed weekly regulars. Don’t worry, there’s an impressive fitness center right next to the pool deck to burn off those calories.
Given the building’s past as an entertainment hub, it’s no surprise that Le Méridien’s art, food and beverage programs will continue this theme.
“The hotel will continue the site’s century-old tradition of being an entertainment playground for Melburnians and visitors,” said Sean Hunt, Marriott International’s vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
For business travelers, this combination might make a long trip to Australia totally worth it. I like unique hotels, especially ones with model airplanes.
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